Pension Factsheet 15 Widows/ers

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We hope this information sheet will answer some of the questions you may have, but if you need any further help, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.

How much pension am I entitled to?

In most cases, you are entitled to 3 months’ full pension (i.e.the amount your husband or wife received). You will then receive half this amount for the rest of your life.

When will my widows/ers pension be paid?

It will be paid on the last banking day of each month. If the last day of the month falls at a weekend, it will be paid the Friday before. We can pay it into any bank or building society you choose. We will write to you about this, asking for your preference.

Will I receive a paylip each month?

You will receive a payslip or letter to confirm your first pension payment. After this, you will receive a payslip if your tax code changes or if the amount being paid varies by £5.00 or more. You will also receive a payslip every April and May. This is to show you your annual pension increase and any tax code changes which may affect your pension.

What about my P60?

We will send you your P60 towards the end of May each year. This will confirm your gross pension and your tax paid for the previous financial year. What happens about my tax?

We will automatically put you on basic rate tax. We will then notify the tax office and they will give us your correct tax code. If you have paid too much tax in the first few months, this will be refunded to you when you receive the correct tax code. If this happens in a new financial year, the refund will come directly from the tax office.

Is there anything else I will receive?

Providing your spouse nominated you as beneficiary, you may also receive a death grant. This is a tax-free lump sum paid by cheque straight to you. If they died whilst they were still working for the Local Authority, this amount will be two times their average pay over their final year. If they died within 5 years of retiring, you will receive the balance of the remaining pension. For example, if they died within 5 years of retiring, you will receive the balance of 4 years pension as a tax free lump sum. If your spouse did not complete a nomination form, we cannot pay the lump sum until we receive grant of probate.

What if I have dependent children?

If you have children under the age of 17 or still in full time education, there may be extra pension for them. If a child permenantly dependent becuae of a disability, a child’s pension may be paid for the rest of the child’s life. Please cont

Need any more help?

Our address The Pension Section Finance Department County Hall Trowbridge Wiltshire BA14 8JJ

Our telephone number 01225 713613

Our fax number 01225 713645

Our e-mail address [email protected] Our web address www.wiltshirepensionfund.org.uk